Sporting KC officially adds Brazilian defender Igor Juliao to roster

Four days after he joined Sporting Kansas City's training sessions, Igor Juliao is officially a member of the team. Sporting KC announced Friday it has acquired the 19-year-old Brazilian defender on loan from Fluminense FC for the remainder of the 2014 season. Juliao will occupy an international roster spot.

Four days after he joined Sporting Kansas City’s training sessions, Igor Julião is officially a member of the team.

Sporting KC announced Friday it has acquired the 19-year-old Brazilian defender on loan from Fluminense FC for the remainder of the 2014 season. Julião will occupy an international roster spot.

“I think he has the ability to play right away. I really do,” Sporting KC manager Peter Vermes said. “He has some really, really good qualities. He’s going to continue to help make that position extremely competitive.”

Sporting KC has become plenty familiar with Julião over the past six weeks after watching him play in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando, but Vermes said his interest in the young fullback predates the exhibition tournament.

Julião appeared 20 times for the Brazilian-club Fluminense FC last season, including 14 starts. He has been a member of the club’s academy since he was eight years old and helped lead the under-20 team to state championships in 2012 and 2013.

“This is a new challenge for me,” Julião said in a news release. “I hope to learn a lot from this club and do everything I can to help them win another championship.”